Driving resident while I am off duty

[sistasoul]

I work in an assisted living facility and there is a resident there who would like to go to services at the local synagogue but does not have a car. I was told I could not drive him because of liability but if I am driving him while I am off duty and doing it as a friend why would there be liability? I can see if I was on the clock but this would definitely not be the case.

Thanks

[BSNbeauty, BSN, RN]

Yes it will still be a liability. The resident is not your friend so it also crosses boundaries. If you do do it better not tell anyone and be extremely careful. I would advise against though. Maybe someone from the church can transport the resident. You can call and ask.

[ChryssyD]

No, no, no--you cannot do that. It is not safe for you, legally. You assume all kinds of responsibility for this person when you put him in your car. If something were to happen, you would be liable, even if you're not on the clock--not because he's your patient, but because he's your passenger. A "friend" or the "friend's" family might not sue you if you're just a "friend," but if you're also his nurse, they might feel they have the right to hold you accountable for his safety. It may not be right, but it's reality. Don't put yourself out like that--someone else can give him a ride.

[caliotter3]

If you choose to do this, don't be surprised if you lose your job because you crossed professional boundaries.

[Nurse SMS, MSN, RN]

Notify the synagogue and let THEM work it out with the patient. That would be fully within your scope of practice without taking unnecessary risks. Houses of worship generally have ways of helping their constituents make it for services, such as transportation programs, small buses or volunteers.